NextGen : NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)Overview

NIPT is a method used to determine the risk for the foetus being born with certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). NIPT is the most accurate prenatal genetic screening test currently available.

NIPT is regarded as noninvasive since only the pregnant mother must have her blood drawn and the foetus is not at risk. Small DNA fragments that are floating about in a pregnant woman's blood are examined by NIPT test. These fragments are known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) because they are free-floating and not contained within cells, in contrast to most DNA, which is found inside the nucleus of a cell. When cells break down and die, their contents, including DNA, are released into the bloodstream as minute fragments with an average size of fewer than 200 DNA base pairs.

The mother's bloodstream during pregnancy contains a mixture of cfDNA from her cells and cells from the placenta. The tissue in the uterus known as the placenta connects the mother's blood supply with the developing foetus. Throughout the pregnancy, these cells are released into the mother's blood. Typically, the DNA of the placenta and the foetus are similar. Without endangering the foetus, cfDNA analysis from the placenta offers a chance for early diagnosis of some genetic disorders.

The NIPT test, or noninvasive prenatal testing, is a safe blood test for the expectant mothers to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the foetus. By analysing foetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream, the NIPT test can detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. The NIPT test offers early, reliable insights without the risks of invasive procedures.